The Project Area

The River Swale is a spate river, thought to be one of the fastest flowing river in England. It originates as a series of becks 360m above sea level in the Northern Pennines. It flows east over carboniferous limestone characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales, forming a steep narrow valley that is Upper Swaledale. One of its main tributaries, Arkle Beck, forms the neighbouring Arkengarthdale to the north. The Project area includes the catchment of the Swale and Arkle Beck, downstream to Richmond (see map).

Project Outline

The Project has been developed through a partnership comprising the National Park Authority, The Salmon and Trout Association, The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Local Farmers and Landowners, English Nature, The Environment Agency, The Catterick Army Field Training Centre and Ecoscope [see project partners]. These partners form the project Steering Group. Additional, financial support has been received from BPI. The Project's implementation is co-ordinated through the National Park Area Ranger, overseen by the Steering Group.